Tripoli: Clashes between the Islamist militant group Libya Dawn and the Libyan army killed eight militants Sunday near the city of Zawiya, military sources said.

According to a Libya Dawn officer, the militants were killed during crossfire with Zintan militias and tribal forces, which have joined the national army in the recent campaigns, Xinhua reported.

"Their forces tried to penetrate through Zawiya, but we managed to stop them and destroy a number of their vehicles. We also killed a large number of their forces," the officer said, on the condition of anonymity.

Sunday's attack was reportedly the deadliest in weeks.

Libya Dawn militias have been active in the Libyan capital Tripoli and fierce fighting that lasted for over 45 days killed 250 people and injured over a thousand.

After controlling Tripoli, the Libya Dawn forces expanded their military operations to the west of the capital, where battles take place almost everyday in spite of UN calls for ceasefire and talks.